Electrocatalytic Properties of Ni(II) Schiff Base Complex Polymer Films

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Catalysis

Background:

• Nickel(II) salen-type complexes, specifically (±)-trans-N,N'-bis(salicylidene)-1,2-cyclohexanediaminenickel(II) ([Ni(salcn)]) and its tert-butyl substituted derivative ([Ni(salcn(Bu))]), are known for their catalytic potential.
• Polymer modification of electrode surfaces is a key strategy to enhance electrocatalytic and electroanalytical performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the electrocatalytic and electroanalytical properties of platinum electrodes modified with poly[Ni(salcn)] and poly[Ni(salcn(Bu))].
• To understand the influence of electroactive surface coverage on the electrocatalysis of specific analytes.

Main Methods:

• Electrode modification with synthesized nickel complex polymers.
• Electrochemical analysis including cyclic voltammetry and rotating disc electrode method.
• Electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) for in-situ mass monitoring.

Main Results:

• Polymer-modified electrodes effectively catalyze the oxidation of catechol, aspartic acid, and nitrite (NO2-).
• The electrocatalytic behavior of poly[Ni(salcn)] modified electrodes is highly dependent on the electroactive surface coverage.
• Different surface coverages result in varied mechanisms, including barrier effects, direct electrode surface oxidation, and polymer-solution interface catalysis.

Conclusions:

• Platinum electrodes modified with poly[Ni(salcn)] and poly[Ni(salcn(Bu))] exhibit significant electrocatalytic activity.
• Surface coverage is a critical parameter controlling the electrocatalytic mechanism and efficiency of these modified electrodes.
• These materials show promise for applications in electroanalysis and catalysis.